adjective

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Other / Surprise

audio

dumbstruck - So shocked or surprised as to be unable to speak.

When Bill heard on the phone that the storm had destroyed his summer house, he was dumbstruck, and didn't know how to respond.

adjective

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Bad / Boring

audio

humdrum - Activity, work or routine that is boring, monotonous or unexciting.

For centuries, doing the laundry was a humdrum part of daily life, mainly for women.

adjective

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Bad / Hostile

audio

contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

noun

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Bad / Hostile

Url audio

injustice - A situation in which the rights of a person or a group are ignored, and they are treated unfairly.

The American Colonies felt that 'taxation without representation' was an injustice that, among other things, warranted a revolutionary war of independence against England.

adjective

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Bad / Unfriendly

audio

flippant - Not showing a serious or respectful attitude

Quincy's flippant attitude towards his coworkers and supervisors made him the most likely person to be fired next.

noun

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Bad / Nervous

Url audio

tenterhooks - Waiting nervously for something to happen.

After the weeklong trial, we were on tenterhooks waiting for the jury to give its verdict.

noun

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Bad / Disgusting

audio

slut - A woman who has many casual sexual partners

For many people, Kim Kardashian is viewed simply as a slut who is known for her sexual exploits rather than possessing any talent.

noun

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Bad / Confused

Url audio

conundrum - A confusing and difficult problem, situation, or question, where there is no clear or easy solution.

Figuring out how to balance work and personal life is a common conundrum.

adjective

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Good / Beautiful

audio

dapper - (typically of a man) neat and trim in dress, appearance, or bearing

With his perfectly tailored suit, fancy watch and expensive sunglasses, Greg knew his dapper appearance would impress his date.

verb

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Bad / Disgusting

audio

retch - To make the sound and movement of vomiting

Brenda felt like she was going to retch after eating sushi from the gas station.

noun

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Bad / Small

audio

niche - A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation

Sam couldn't master all of physics, but he knew enough about his particular niche that made him respected among his colleagues in that area.

adjective

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Bad / Bad

audio

notorious - Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed

Even among violent gangsters, Al Capone was considered the most notorious one of all.